How to Get a Korean Driver’s License as a Foreigner

Step-by-Step Guide for Expats, Students, and Long-Term Residents in Korea

1. Can Foreigners Get a Driver’s License in Korea?

Yes! Foreigners living in Korea can apply for or convert a driver’s license, depending on their situation:

  • License conversion – For those with a valid license from their home country

  • New license application – If you don’t have a license or your country isn’t eligible for conversion

📌 You’ll need a valid visa and ARC (Alien Registration Card) to apply.

2. Option 1: Convert Your Foreign Driver’s License

If your country has a reciprocal agreement with Korea, you can convert your license.

Steps to convert:

  1. Visit the Driver’s License Examination Office (운전면허시험장)

  2. Submit the following:

    • Valid foreign driver’s license

    • Notarized translation (Korean)

    • Passport & ARC

    • 1 color photo (3.5x4.5 cm)

    • Certificate from your embassy (in some cases)

  3. Pay the fee (KRW 10,000–15,000)

  4. Take a vision test

✅ If your country is on the reciprocity list, you don’t need to take written or driving tests.

💡 Common countries with agreements: USA, Canada, UK, Germany, France, Australia, Japan, etc.

3. Option 2: Apply for a New Korean Driver’s License

If you don’t have a license or cannot convert it:

  1. Enroll in a licensed driving school (optional but recommended)

  2. Take the following exams:

    • Written test (theory) – English version available

    • Course test – Basic driving skills in a closed course

    • On-road test – Driving in real traffic conditions

  3. Complete a vision and physical check

  4. Submit:

    • ARC, Passport

    • 3 photos

    • Application form

📍 Visit a Driver’s License Test Center (운전면허시험장) to apply and take exams.

🕒 The whole process may take 2–4 weeks or more depending on availability.

4. Where to Apply: Test Centers & Offices

You must apply at a designated license center:

  • Seoul Gangnam Driver’s License Center

  • Seoul Seobu (West) License Center

  • Daejeon, Busan, Incheon, etc.

🔎 Search “운전면허시험장” in Naver Map to find the one nearest to you.

5. Cost Breakdown (Approximate)

Service Cost
Written Test KRW 10,000
Course Driving Test KRW 20,000
Road Test KRW 25,000
License Fee KRW 7,500
Photo (if taken on-site) KRW 5,000

Driving school tuition is optional but ranges from KRW 600,000–1,200,000 depending on location.

6. Tips for a Smooth Process

  • Take the written test in English if offered at your center

  • Make a reservation online via https://dls.koroad.or.kr

  • Study the Korean road signs and safety rules

  • Arrive early and bring cash or Korean card

  • Use Papago or translator apps during the process

📘 The Korea Road Traffic Authority provides official guides and practice exams online.

7. Useful Korean Phrases

  • “면허증을 바꾸고 싶어요.” — I want to convert my license.

  • “신규 면허를 신청하려고 해요.” — I want to apply for a new license.

  • “시험은 영어로 볼 수 있나요?” — Can I take the test in English?

  • “시력 검사는 어디서 해요?” — Where do I take the vision test?

Using these phrases will help you communicate confidently at the test center.


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